Daily Briefing: 'Playing Politics'

•In 1985,Alito"wrote that 'the Constitution does not protect a right to an abortion,' declared his firm opposition to certain affirmative action programs, and strongly endorsed a government role in 'protecting traditional values.'" [ WP , NYT , LAT , WT , USAT ]

• Graham(R-S.C.) andLevin(D-Mich.) achieve passable compromise on treatment of detainees;McCain's amendment will likely be included. [ WP ]

• Frist(R-Tenn.) andWarner(R-VA) want increased accountability of the administration's Iraq policy; proposal calls for quarterly updates. [ NYT , WT ]

•GAO finds political manipulation of the FDA's decision on the morning-after pill. [ WP , NYT , LAT , WT ]

• Bushcontinually shadowed by questions about pre-war intelligence. [ NYT ]

•Approval ofBushslips to 37% in USAT/Gallup poll, a new low; Republicans losing faith in the president. [ USAT ]

• Ricedelays departure from Israel, citing "progress" in talks between Israel and Palestine. [ WP ]

• Bushheads to Asia seeking to influence the region and escape domestic woes; says Democrats are "playing politics" by criticizing the war. [ WP , LAT ]

•Supreme Court to hear case about prisoners' rights thatAlitodissented. [ WP , LAT ]

•Dow Jones is fightingPatrick Fitzgeraldfor access to government materials in theLibbycase. [ WP ]

•Sept. 11 commissioners criticize the lack of progress against in combating terror. [ NYT ]

• HIllary Clintonavoids controversy on trip to Israel. [ NYT ]

• DeLaywants his trial in early December. [ WP ]

•Director of CBO is resigning. [ NYT ]